Internship in Astronaut Training Materials - apply now!
The EAC is the home base of Europe’s astronauts. The Astronaut Training Division is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut training programmes. It manages the training of all International Space Station (ISS) astronauts from ESA and its international partners (NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, CSA) for all ESA-provided ISS contributions. This includes system and payload training for the Columbus European research laboratory. In addition, the EAC provides training for certain special skills such as robotics, Soyuz rendezvous and docking (RvD), extra-vehicular activities (EVA) and human behaviour and performance (HBP).
Background:
From 2009 to 2010 the Training Division successfully implemented a Basic Training course for a class of six new ESA astronauts. There is now a requirement to use the EAC basic training catalogue as the starting point to develop new materials in a range of multimedia formats using a range of learning technologies. The goal of this internship is to assist in this process.
This internship:
The tasks of the intern will be diverse and centered around the production of innovative training solutions. One main task is creating training videos. You will be involved in the creative process from the beginning, helping to write storyboards and scripts. Planning and shooting the footage will be part of your responsibilities (for example, you might be interviewing an astronaut or researching the ESA video archives). You will also help to cut and edit the final videos.
We also want people who can develop VR applications. If you have skills/experience with Oculus, Vive, Unreal, Unity, blueprints etc. then we want to hear from you. Solid skills in media development, 2D and 3D, will also see you being kept busy on a range of varied activities.
Main work responsibilities:
- Shooting educational videos and interviews for in-house video production (for example https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbyvawxScNbsoD_tGlw8kWCw3S5htiVKZ)
- development of educational content as required, using a variety of multimedia tools
- assisting in the creative and design process by suggesting innovative ways to illustrate complex technical concepts
- develop proof of concept training solutions using VR technology
- Supporting the EAC Training Division team as required
Desired qualifications and skills:
- Bachelor degree (essential)
- a background in either media/creative design or an engineering or scientific field of study (preferably aerospace or engineering) with media skills
- experience with video and audio recording hardware and software
- experience of creating 2D/3D graphics, animations and/or VR technologies
- excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently
- fluent English (minimum CEFRA C1)
An interest in human spaceflight and modern communication technology is a must. Experience with training, teaching and/or educational methods would be beneficial (for example rapid authoring tools) but most important is enthusiasm and curiosity. You must be currently. enrolled as a student.
Terms and conditions:
- full-time internship 5 days per week
- €20 daily allowance (if the applicant lives more than 50 km from EAC, 10€/day if less than 50 km, weekends included)
- duty station is the European Astronaut Centre near Cologne-Bonn airport
- the duration of the internship is maximum 6 months
- start date: flexible from April 2016 onwards
- you must be a citizen of an ESA member or cooperating state in order to be eligible
Why apply?:
We are looking for dynamic candidates who can work independently and think creatively. You will be encouraged to show initiative and drive. In return you will have access to EAC facilities and be working in a stimulating environment that is unique within Europe. The vibrant and historic city of Cologne and famous River Rhine are nearby.
Closing date:
The closing date for applications is 31 March 2016.
How to apply:
Interested? If so, sent your CV, letter of motivation and the ESA application form (see link on the right) to Matt Day.
State clearly that you are applying for an Internship at EAC (quote EAC BT MEDIA 05).
